After a disappointing end to their title defense this season, the Denver Nuggets will need to retool in the offseason. Nikola Jokic and Co. will definitely be looking to challenge for the crown again in 2024-25, and based on what we’ve seen this past season, it is clear that they will need a roster upgrade to remain a legitimate threat to the title next term.
One player that is now being linked to the Nuggets this summer is former All-Star Gordon Hayward, who will become a free agent in the offseason now that his current deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder will come to end.
Denver Nuggets News: Gordon Hayward Emerges as Free Agency Target
The Thunder picked up the tab on Hayward and his $33.3 million this past season when they traded for him right before the February trade deadline. OKC general manager Sam Presti has already conceded that he made a mistake in acquiring Hayward so it does not sound like the team has any intentions of offering him a contract extension this summer.
Denver could be the next stop in what has been a colorful 13-year career for the 6-foot-7 swingman. This report comes via Nuggets reporter Harrison Wind of The DNVR:
It is unclear how much money Hayward will be seeking for his next contract, but you can be sure that it will be nowhere near the $33 million he pocketed this past season. The Nuggets don’t have much cap room available for 2024-25, so they want to sign Hayward for a considerable discount.
For what it’s worth, Hayward averaged 14.5 points , 4.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.1 steals with the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of the previous campaign.
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